Letters: PitCo 1A

Healthy Community Fund makes a difference
Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my support for Question 1A to renew the Healthy Community Fund, and illustrate the value of the fund with my professional and personal experience.
Over the years, I have worked with many of the essential organizations receiving this funding. I have witnessed their growth, responsiveness to community needs and impact. These agencies have critical missions important to our quality of life.
Family Resource Centers connects families, schools and communities to improve student health and academic achievement. Mountain Family Health Centers provides integrated medical, behavioral and dental care. Valley Settlement empowers immigrant families to improve their lives. Family Visitor Programs promote healthy families by providing education and support services. Aspen Family Connections supports and strengthens families. The Buddy Program empowers youth through mentoring.
Personally, my family and I have benefited from the services of Healthy Community Fund agencies as well. These include KDNK, our community radio station; Mind Springs Health and Aspen Hope Center for mental healthcare; Family Visitor Programs to help us adjust to life with twins; Mountain Valley Developmental Services for physical therapy for my young son; and the Western Slope College Fair helped us sift through the overwhelming possibilities for college for our three children.
I hope these examples of the vital agencies funded by the Healthy Communities Fund illustrate how important they are to our quality of life here in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Please vote yes on 1A to renew this important source of funding for our non-profits and our community.
Carolyn Hardin
Crystal Springs Solutions

Renew the Healthy Community Fund
Dear Editor:
I am writing to ask the Pitkin County community to continue its support of the Healthy Community Fund by renewing Ballot Initiative 1A on Nov. 6.
This community should be proud of its long-term commitment to improving and supporting the health and well-being of its residents though this unique funding source. The fund should be renewed to continue that commitment.
Community Health Services (CHS) is one of many local nonprofits that benefit from this fund. As one of the fortunate recipients, CHS provides clinical services with a focus on prevention: preventing disease with vaccinations, preventing unintended pregnancy by offering affordable options for contraception, preventing poor oral health by offering dental hygiene services and preventing adverse birth outcomes by providing quality prenatal care. These health services may seem basic to some, but for those who are uninsured or underinsured, they do not come easy.
CHS is a part of a network of agencies that creates a safety-net of support for the most vulnerable and those who just need a little bit of extra support getting through a rough time. These services change people’s lives.
Stay committed to making this a healthy, safe and resilient community. Please vote YES on Ballot Initiative 1A to renew the Healthy Community Fund.
Liz Stark, Executive Director
Community Health Services